The “Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2030+” report published by Environment Bureau sets out Hong Kong’s 2030 target to reduce its carbon intensity by 65% to 70% below the 2005 level. In Hong Kong, buildings account for 90% of electricity consumption and over 60% of greenhouse gas emissions, while schools and university buildings account for 4% of the total electricity used by public sector existing buildings. Reducing the carbon footprint of local schools could play a part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. “Jockey Club BEAM Plus in School Project” (the “Project”) launched by Business Environment Council helps mitigate global warming and tackle climate risk, while equipping students with green buildings knowledge and encouraging their participation in climate actions.
The 3.5-year project is organised by Business Environment Council, co-organised by BEAM Society Limited and Hong Kong Green Building Council, funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and supported by the Environment Bureau, the Education Bureau and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department. It aims to reduce the carbon emissions of 120 primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong by 10%. It will also assist the schools in achieving “BEAM Plus Existing Schools” accreditation. Launched in Q1 2020, the project is free of charge.
Mr Wong Kam-sing, Secretary for the Environment; Mr Barry Chu, Assistant Director / Electricity and Energy Efficiency of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department; Mr Bryan Wong, Head of Charities (Grant Making) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Mr Adam Koo, Chief Executive Officer of Business Environment Council; Ir C S Ho, General Manager of BEAM Society Limited; Ir Dr Cary Chan, Executive Director of Hong Kong Green Building Council and Ms Kwong Yun-foon, Principal of SKH St. Clement’s Primary School, a participating school, were the guests of honour at the opening ceremony.
Mr Wong Kam-sing, Secretary for the Environment said, “The 2020 Policy Address announced that Hong Kong will strive to achieve carbon neutrality before 2050. Everyone should support Hong Kong in moving towards a low-carbon city. Education and the promotion of environmental protection on campuses are particularly important. Under the ‘Green Schools 2.0’ programme, the HKSAR Government has launched the ‘Energy Smart’ and ‘Solar Harvest’ projects. The HKSAR Government’s programme and the ‘Jockey Club BEAM Plus in Schools Project’ complement each other. I am happy to see this meaningful project is raising the environmental awareness of the next generation to facilitate a low-carbon future.”
Mr Barry Chu, Assistant Director / Electricity and Energy Efficiency of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department shared, “The EMSD fully supports the ‘Jockey Club BEAM Plus in Schools Project’. Through this Project, Business Environment Council will assist schools in achieving BEAM Plus certification, installing energy efficient lighting and air-conditioners, harnessing energy technologies, fostering an environment for energy conservation and decarbonisation in schools in a holistic manner, and working towards the long-term goal of carbon neutrality.”
Mr Bryan Wong, Head of Charities (Grant Making) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club said, “The Hong Kong Jockey Club is one of the world's top ten charity donors and it has been supporting a wide range of environmental projects to further Hong Kong’s sustainable development. The ‘Jockey Club BEAM Plus in Schools Project’ helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions in schools. Through diverse educational activities, the Project also raises awareness about green building concepts among students and teachers. It aims to educate the next generation about the importance of green buildings and sustainable development to promote environmental protection.”
Mr Adam Koo, Chief Executive Officer of Business Environment Council said, “Business Environment Council will help to instil the concept of green buildings into the next generation, and do our part to mitigate climate change and support Hong Kong’s 2050 carbon neutrality pledge stated in the latest Policy Address.”
Ir Dr Cary Chan, Executive Director of Hong Kong Green Building Council said, “HKGBC has strived to create a sustainable built environment. We are pleased to participate in this meaningful Project with the opportunity to introduce the concepts of green buildings to the younger generation, reaching out to 10% of primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong. With the interactive educational and training programmes to be launched by HKGBC, we hope to inspire and increase students’ interest in green buildings, as well as to assist them to develop their future career in green building aspects.”
Ir C. S. Ho, General Manager of BEAM Society Limited shared, “BEAM Society Limited is committed to building capacity through education for the green building industry since its establishment. In recent years, we hope to extend our engagement to the whole community and the next generation in particular. The launch of the new Tool – ‘BEAM Plus for Existing Schools’ enables us to extend our engagement to the students and encourage a sustainable lifestyle on campus.”
The three-part project is co-managed by Business Environment Council, Hong Kong Green Building Council and BEAM Society Limited. Business Environment Council will conduct carbon audits and carry out retrofitting works such as installing more energy-efficient air-conditioning and lighting systems; Hong Kong Green Building Council will organise educational workshops, arrange green building tours and certify participating schools as “BEAM Plus Existing Schools”; BEAM Society Limited will establish a new assessment tool for existing schools” and evaluate schools’ green building performances.
(from left to right)：Ir C S Ho, General Manager of BEAM Society Limited; Mr Barry Chu, Assistant Director / Electricity and Energy Efficiency of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department; Mr Adam Koo, Chief Executive Officer of Business Environment Council; Ir Dr Cary Chan, Executive Director of Hong Kong Green Building Council; Mr Wong Kam-sing, Secretary for the Environment and Mr Bryan Wong, Head of Charities (Grant Making) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club officiated the ceremony.
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